When I look at my news feed these days, every other story is sponsored.

I know every dumb thing my friends like.

I know exactly which types of photos appeal to my friends.

I know precisely who subscribes to get the worst crap.

Ugh.

When did every moment, every interest, every fiber of our being become a sponsored story?

Were we not shaped by the experiences that made us and our relationships? When I think back on my brightest memories between friends, I don’t think things like:

“Thank goodness we had Coca Cola and not Pepsi!”

“We never would have been friends without Nikes!”

“The only thing we have in common is we both like Super Mario.”

Ok. Fine. I’ve thought the last one, but that’s not something I think back on fondly.

We’re crossing a fine line between sharing our lives with friends and having those moments sponsored by highest bidder on a relevant keyword. Are you ready to see what’s on the other side of that line?